How to Remove the Radio from a Mazda 3 and install USB and, or Bluetooth kit

Removing the radio from a Mazda 3 is quite easy, so take your time and follow this guide through and you will have a working iPod and iPhone car kit connection in no time. You only need basic skills and it should be ready to test in about 20 minutes. Please see the steps below or alternatively watch the video.

This guide is for Mazda 3 however you may find that the proccess is similiar in other Mazdas. Take your time and don’t rush the installation. Although the vehicle featured in this guide is a Mazda 3 this kit will work with Mazda 5, Mazda 6, B-Series Pickup, CX-7, CX-9, Miata, MPV, MX-5, Protege, RX-8, and Tribute. Please see the compatibility chart for more details about the year models supported

Mazda 3 Radio Removal Step by Step Instruction Guide

Step 1: Open the glovebox. Use the trim tool or flat screwdriver to unhook the four clips holding the silver trim in place. Remove the trim.

Step 2: Unscrew the 4 radio head unit screws.

Step 3: Lift the front edge of the top panel with the air-conditioning vents to pull the radio out.

Step 4: Identify and unplug the connection in the external CD Changer port (same as the plug on supplied cable) on the back of the head unit .Connect the Mazda cable harness into the CD changer port.

Step 5: Plug in the Mazda interface box. Then plug in a USB key configured with music and switch on the car ignition. Often it’s not recognised the 1st time you switch it on. Turn the key off for a god 20 seconds before trying again

Step 6: Pair phone if it’s a bluetooth kit and test the functionality to see if it’s all working .

Step 7: Once you are happy with the functionality, find a place to store all the necessary audio cables eg. USB, iPod and Auxiliary cables. They can be fed through to the glove box or underneath into the center arm rest.

Step 8: If you choose to store in the center armrest, open the center armrest and pull the trim upwards where the latch closes. Work your way to the front of the trims. It’s best to have the parking brake up. For manual transmission vehicles, twist the knob counter clockwise to remove it. Once the center panel has been removed, use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws under the ashtray so that the lower center panel can be removed (the panel containing the ash tray, cigarette lighter and seat controls). The cables can then be fed behind the radio into the cavity of the lower center panel and out to the armrest.

Step 9: Reverse the installation process and put the dash back together. Well done!

Mazda 3 Radio Removal Video Instruction Guide

Check out the video below for further help with removing the radio from your Mazda 3. Note that in the video the narrator is storing the cables in the center armrest. He uses a hook screwdriver to remove the front of the trim, but to avoid damage it is best remove the trim from the latch of the center armrest.